Print

Creamy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

creamy bacon ranch pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy pasta salad featuring creamy homemade ranch dressing, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice as substitute)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup diced cucumber, peeled if desired
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Additional parsley and chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta. Let it drain well for about 5 minutes.
  2. While the pasta cooks, fry 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, bake bacon at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, and ½ cup buttermilk. Add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried dill, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Stir in 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley and 1 tbsp chives. Adjust seasonings if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crispy bacon, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup diced cucumber, and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese if using. Pour the ranch dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with additional chopped parsley and chives.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent mushiness and help it absorb dressing better. Chop bacon while warm for easier handling. If dressing is too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of buttermilk or milk. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Avoid overdressing to prevent sogginess. Bacon can be baked as a less messy alternative to frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, bacon, ranch dressing, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, easy dinner, fresh herbs

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crispy-bacon-and-fresh-herbs/